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A Guide for Buffalo, NY Businesses to Leverage the Employee Retention Tax Credit

As Buffalo, New York businesses grapple with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, they’re resolutely forging ahead on the path to economic rejuvenation. In this pursuit, it’s paramount for businesses to utilize any available government resources. Similar to the Payroll Protection Program (PPP), one particular resource at their disposal is the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC). 

ERTC, also known as ERC, is a program designed to deliver financial aid to businesses that struggled during the pandemic yet worked to retain their workforce. This article discusses the Employee Retention Credit program, including the eligibility for Buffalo, NY businesses and how to apply for ERC.

Deciphering the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC)

Originally created under the CARES Act and its subsequent iterations, the Employee Retention Credit unfurls as a lifeline for eligible employers. While the PPP provided funds for businesses to use toward payroll, the ERC program provides a tax credit to businesses that experienced a decline in business activity or a partial to full suspension of operations due to government orders. 

Eligibility Criteria for Buffalo Businesses

Qualifying for the Employee Retention Tax Credit within Buffalo’s dynamic business landscape necessitates adherence to a unique set of eligibility criteria. This criteria encompasses:

Steering the ERC Application Process for Businesses in New York

The Employee Retention Credit program is quite complex. For Buffalo businesses to seamlessly navigate the labyrinth of securing the Employee Retention Tax Credit, they can help ensure a successful application and approval through the following steps:

1. Consult with a seasoned tax professional or ERC advisor who possesses an intricate understanding of the ERC rules and regulations.

2. Utilize the ERC tax professional to determine eligibility and assist in computing the maximum Employee Retention Tax Credit that may be available to a business.

3. Submit or re-submit Form 941 (the Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return). 

4. Keep a comprehensive repository of records that authentically corroborate your eligibility for the ERC. This may include payroll records, financial statements and other documentation.

Conclusion

The Employee Retention Tax Credit stands as a powerful government resource for Buffalo businesses, poised to reinvigorate their fiscal resilience in the wake of the COVID-19 upheaval. All businesses should determine their eligibility and then apply for ERC, even if they received PPP. 

Armed with an astute comprehension of the tailored eligibility criteria and a diligent approach to the application process, businesses can unlock the full potential of this tax credit. It is recommended that all businesses seek the assistance of an experienced ERC advisor or accountant to determine eligibility, maximize the business tax credit and ensure proper filing with the IRS.

Buffalo businesses that have not yet determined their eligibility and applied for ERTC should not hesitate. If you have additional questions about the Employee Retention Credit, our ERC FAQs page may answer them. Or, call us directly with any questions or assistance with finding an ERC advisor for your business in New York.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact, businesses in Rochester, New York, are steadfastly charting their path to economic resurgence. To help businesses in this endeavor, it is crucial for businesses to explore all available government resources. 

One of these resources is the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). ERC, also called ERTC, is a program introduced with the intention of aiding businesses that endured pandemic-related challenges. This article explains the program for businesses in Rochester, including how to apply for the Employee Retention Tax Credit.

 

Understanding the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC)

Within the legislation of the CARES Act and subsequent regulatory measures, the Employee Retention Tax Credit was born. The program’s purpose is to offer a lifeline to eligible employers by presenting a tax credit calculated based on wages disbursed to employees who were retained by the business despite a significant reduction in business activity or a partial to full suspension of operations during the pandemic. Like the PPP (Payroll Protection Program), the ERC can alleviate financial strains and help ensure that the business recovers. ERC is available to businesses even if they received the PPP.

Eligibility Criteria for the ERTC

For Rochester, NY businesses to qualify for the Employee Retention Tax Credit, they must meet specific eligibility criteria crafted with the regional context in mind. These ERC criteria are listed in the graphic below:

How New York Businesses Apply for the ERC

To apply and to effectively secure the Employee Retention Credit, Rochester businesses can adopt the following strategic steps:

1. Seek expert consultation. The best ERC advisors or seasoned tax professionals are well-versed in the nuances of the ERC and are recommended due to the complexity of the program.

2. Carefully assess and compute the potential tax credit. By collaborating closely with your chosen expert, you can determine your business’s eligibility and better calculate the maximum tax credit available to your business. The credit calculation may vary between the years 2020 and 2021, underscoring the indispensability of professional guidance.

3. Submit or revise and re-submit Form 941 (the Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return). This process involves providing meticulous details encompassing qualified wages of eligible employees.

4. Thorough documentation upkeep. Maintain a meticulous repository of records that substantiate your eligibility for the Employee Retention Tax Credit. This detailed documentation should include payroll records, financial statements.

Conclusion

The Employee Retention Tax Credit emerges as a valuable resource for Rochester businesses that will help them continue to recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic. With a comprehensive grasp of the eligibility criteria and an understanding of the process, businesses can be sure to qualify and maximize the tax credit that is available to them. 

Businesses that received the PPP should determine eligibility and apply for ERTC. However, before applying for the program, businesses in New York should consult the expertise of an ERC advisor. 

This article should have cleared up some questions about the Employee Retention Credit program for NY businesses. If not, you can refer to our ERC FAQs or contact us at 919-609-2714. We are happy to answer any questions and help get you started on an application with one of the best ERC advisors available.

 

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